Us and Them

Recently, I came across two very interesting terminologies used to define cultures and societies - Individualism and Collectivism. As per literature, individualism focuses on the rights and concerns of each person, whereas collectivism emphasizes the needs and goals of the group as a whole over the needs and desires of each individual. Anthropologists say that the west is primarily individualistic and the east is collectivistic.

Nonetheless, I feel that the world as a whole is moving towards a place where the difference between individualism and collectivism is obscure. There is a rise in collectivistic ideals due to a surge in the number of countries under autocrats and dictators. People have to join forces to make their voices heard. They have to spread the word, gain support and expand their cause. How else can you pull through? This is the same for both the camps - the oppressors and the oppressed.

Would you advocate for the oppressed lot irrespective of whether the oppression impacts you? If yes, then you are now part of that collectivistic ideal.

An article from The Economist, dated Mar 19, 2022, states that the percentage of the world population under autocracies (both closed and electoral) rose from around 45% in 2000 to around 75% in 2021. As a result, political protests have become more widespread and common. The individualists in these autocracies are expected to choose sides as societies become more polarised and vocal. Both the oppressors and the oppressed need to pull more people to their side. And bigger the influence these people have, stronger the pull.

Us and Them - Qualiaura

When the CAA issue happened in India and a celebrity was asked about his views regarding the issue, he brushed it off saying that he needs to study it first. He faced massive criticism for not speaking up. The collectivistic society in this case expected him to put aside his individualistic concerns (protecting his career and family, for instance) and speak up. 

The case is no different in the west. The US, an individualistic liberal democracy, is embroiled in several issues - gun laws, critical race theory, reproductive rights, transgender rights in sports, vaccine mandates, mask mandates, and so on. These issues can change the fabric of society as it gets so polarising that people are expected to choose sides. People in such individualistic societies are developing very strong individualistic ideals that they campaign for the collectivistic adoption of these ideals.

In short, a group with a particular belief stands to gain if their ideals are individualistic, that of others are collectivistic, and their individualistic ideals align with the collective values. But that is rarely the case, resulting in polar opposites - us and them. Does that make sense?

Ashly Koshy

Introspect. Opine. Unearth.

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